Q.- Exactly and concretely what do you hope to achieve with these batches of training?
A.- To provide with the tools and means necessary for giving the Augustinian spiritual exercises, as well as workshops on prayer with Saint Augustine, in all the places where the Order exists, by knowing the internal dynamics of the same, their structure and the purpose they pursue. It is also expected that those who have participated in training course could inspire new courses in which others are trained who in turn can give them.
The Training Courses
Q.- What have been the five batches: places, dates, locations and type of participants?
A.- The first batch was in Colombia, in El Desierto de la Candelaria (Ráquira, Bocayá), from 7 to 11 of November. With the participation of 43 persons: nine lay, 3 Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters (MAR – misioneras agustinas recoletas), and 31 Augustinian Recollects. The second batch was that of the Philippines, with the attendance of 31 persons: nine Augustinian Reollect Sisters, seven lay people and 15 religious. Then came that of Mexico, from 4 to 8 of November. It was attended by 32 people: four Augustinian Recollect nuns, 12 lay and 16 religious. And the fourth round took place in Brazil from 25 to 29 November, with the participation of 33 people: five Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters (MAR), nine lay and 19 religious. This fifth round for Europe was held in Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid) between 2 and 6 December. It had 32 participants: three Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters (MAR), 6 lay and 23 religious.
Spiritual Exercises
Q.- In several places, these training courses have been accompanied by batches of spiritual retreats: how many were they and what appraisal would you make of them?
A.- Indeed, these training courses were accompanied by five sets of exercises, those of Rome, Salamanca, the Philippines and two in Mexico. The balance of all these batches has been very positive, since the exercises have been highly valued by all who have lived them, highlighting their rich Augustinian Recollect content as well as the interesting dynamics followed within the exercises themselves.
Q.- What are the immediate prospects, both of the exercises as well as the workshops of prayer? What will be the topics? Who are responsible for directing them?
A.- The general topic for the whole Order during the 2014 is ‘Revitalization, Fraternal Life and Community’. For 2015, the designated theme is: ‘Revitalization and Interiority’. And, for 2016: ‘Revitalization and Discernment’. For the 2014, there are already several proposed batches of retreats in different districts of the Order. In Brazil two are scheduled: the first from 6 to 10 of January; and the second, within the Course of Renewal, from 12 to 17 of the same month. The batches for the Philippines and the United States are also scheduled. And, in the course that we have just finished in Pozuelo de Alarcón, the four batches of Spain have already been organized. The topic and script will be basically identical; there will be differences only in style, depending on the distinctive characteristics of the respective directors. These will be sometimes persons, in general, religious; in many cases, teams composed of religious, sisters and trained lay will direct these batches.
Nuns, Religious and laity
Q.- The participation in these training courses of both nuns and religious and lay has been abundant. How do you personally evaluate it?
A.- I have already stressed it. Both in the training courses and exercises, religious, sisters and lay have participated. The lived experiences are extremely encouraging, upon seeing the spiritual richness of the Order manifested in each of its members, be they religious, nuns or lay people of our fraternities or ministries. During the courses or exercises, each has made very valuable contributions. The Augustinian Recollect nuns of the Federation of Mexico have inspired us with their profound piety, and have reminded us that they are a rich heritage and spiritual bulwark of the Order. The laity have made us see things from a more realistic and actual perspective, and have filled us with admiration for their piety lived in the world and in the life of every day. We, the religious have had the opportunity to exchange views and to be aware of the reality of our Augustinian Recollect charism, as well as of the importance that the process of revitalization and of what the Church asks of us today. Hence, as a whole, both training courses and the Augustinian exercises have been a rich experience, which will undoubtedly be of great help in the process of the revitalization and restructuring of the Order.